Grand design plans for Goosnargh mansion back on the agenda

Plans for a giant country house, previously thrown out as “totally inappropriate” by councillors, are back on the table.

A revised application for Bux House, a mansion in the Goosnargh countryside near Preston, has been submitted to planning bosses.

Original designs were narrowly rejected – on the chairman’s casting vote – despite being recommended for approval by officers.

Now consultants Cassidy and Ashton have lodged amended plans, on behalf of the Bux clothing tycoons.

Alban Cassidy, chartered town planner and environmental consultant at Cassidy and Ashton: “The previous application was only refused on the chairman’s casting vote, after a split decision at committee.

“We have therefore revised the scheme to significantly improve the environmental benefits including opening up views of the meadow lands, using local sandstone, introducing an opportunity for a schools allotment and improving efficiency to Code 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes – which would be a first for Preston.

“In so doing, we consider we have addressed the key considerations raised by planning committee and look forward to the new application going to committee in the New Year.”

Coun Lona Smith, who represents Preston Rural North, said: “I am disappointed and concerned that this application has reappeared again. The planning committee only refused this application at the end of September. There was an overwhelming opposition from residents to the proposal of what I referred to as ‘Buxingham Palace’.

“As a ward councillor I feel strongly that this application should be refused.

“It is not in keeping with the environment and would swallow up yet another green field site.

“There would not be any benefit to the community from this huge structure. This does not lie within a designated area for development and would spoil a rural tranquil area.”

A statement, submitted with the application, said: “The proposed development is considered to be of a truly outstanding and innovative design incorporating a new dwelling with existing and proposed landscaping features.”